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"Ankh"
Worked and Photographed
by Ruth Wylie
This page contains information for both beginners and the more advanced worker.
Please mention the Guild of Straw Craftsmen web site if you buy any item or make a booking on any courses you have seen on our web site.
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Books |
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Other Publications |
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Straw |
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Equipment |
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Corn Dolly Makers |
"Bridal Bouquet"
Worked and Photographed
by Janet Twigger
Here are some books that would be useful to beginners and advanced workers.
A Handful of Straw |
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The Corn Dolly Newsletter TeamPaperback / Published 1995 / ISBN 0 9525464 0 X Suitable for both beginners and advanced workers alike. Written by some of the best practitioners of straw craft and writers of the Corn Dolly Newsletter. It has very clear instructions and diagrams. |
Complete Book of Straw Craft and Corn Dollies : Techniques and Projects |
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Doris Johnson and Alec CokerPaperback / Published 1987 / ISBN 0 486 25249 3 This book is both a reference book and instruction book. If you want to know how to make a plait this book will show you. |
Discovering Corn Dollies |
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M. LambethPaperback / First Published 1974 by Shire Publications /
ISBN 0 85263 283 5 This book is part reprint of A Golden Dolly: The Art, Mystery and History of Corn Dollies (see below). |
Swiss Straw Work: Techniques of a Fashion Industry | |
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Veronica MainPaperback / Published 2003 / ISBN 0 9541795 0 1 This is THE definitive book on Swiss Straw work. Both the writer and illustrator (Gillian Nott) are City and Guilds medallists in straw work so they have the practical as well as subject knowledge. Every motif (more than 120) is described in fine detail and the working diagrams are easy to follow. The book is well structured; it builds on the basic technique for the different elements and moves effortlessly into the more advanced techniques. Details: Main Collins Publishing, PO Box 926, High Wycombe,
HP15 7ZQ German edition details: Freiämter Strohmuseum, Kirchenplatz,
5610 Wohlen, Switzerland |
The Book of Wheat Weaving and Straw Craft: From Simple Plaits to Exquisite Designs | |
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Morgyn Geoffry Owens-CelliHardcover / Published March 1997 / Publisher: Lark Books /
ASIN 1 887 37420 5 This book is full of projects for both modern and traditional designs. Full colour photographs and black and white illustrations help you create some stunning designs. |
An Introduction to Swiss Straw work | |
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Peter ShelleySoft cover Project based, so that each new skill is immediately used to produce a finished item; this is like having a private tutor. Easy to follow instructions, backed up with diagrams and photographs; guide the beginner through the techniques of Swiss Straw work. Working through the book you can progress from a simple greetings card to a stunning vase of straw flowers. A comprehensive list of contents makes it easy to use as a reference book too. ₤15.00 plus postage Obtainable from P Shelley, 82 Manor Rise, Chasetown, BURNTWOOD, Staffordshire.WS7 4TS Tel. 01543 676826 Email |
Straw Marquetry for Beginners | |
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Peter ShelleySoft cover This is a project based book. As each skill is taught it can be put to immediate use. The first 11 pages form a comprehensive introduction, easy to use as a reference tool. Then different styles of marquetry are taught with clear instructions and illustrations. All the patterns you need to complete the projects are included at the end of the book. ₤10.00 plus postage Obtainable from P Shelley, 82 Manor Rise, Chasetown, BURNTWOOD, Staffordshire.WS7 4TS Tel. 01543 676826 Email |
easy Straw Work for Christmas | |
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Elaine LindsaySoft cover If anyone has photos of projects they have made from the book please e mail them to me, I'd love to see them. This book can be used all year round not just for Christmas and I still have a few copies left. ₤12.50 plus ₤3.50 postage Obtainable from Elaine Lindsay tel. 01467 681330 or Email |
The Gleam of Straw | |
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Anne DyerSoft cover So where is this craft going?..................... we shouldn't let the history close our minds to the much wider possibilities of the material and therefore of the craft." Reading this book will open your eyes and your mind. It has practical advice and information and a wealth of illustrations. Obtainable from Anne Dyer c/o Westhope Craft College, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9JL tel. 01584 861293 |
"Marches Fan"
Worked and Photographed
by Antony Gay
These books are out of print but are worth searching for:
Decorative Straw Work and Corn Dollies |
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Lettice Sandford and Philla Davispublished by B. T. Batsford, Ltd. (1964) no ISBN This is generally still regarded as the definitive book for straw workers. |
The Craft of Straw Decoration | |
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Alec CokerHardback / First Published 1971 by The Dryad Press / ISBN 0 85219 078 6 Alec Coker was a BBC Outside Broadcast engineer before becoming a teacher and maker of Corn Dollies. He was the first editor of the Corn Dolly Newsletter (with Janet Twigger as secretary, the post she still holds) but sadly died before the founding of the Guild of Straw Craftsmen. Like all books on straw craft this book is aimed at the craftsperson with projects on straw stars and marquetry as well as Corn Dollies. |
The Art of Weaving Corn Dollies | |
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Stephen J. ReidPaperback / Published 1976 as part of the Leisure Series by
Lutterworth Press / |
A Golden Dolly: The Art, Mystery and History of Corn Dollies | |
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M. LambethHardback / First Published 1969 by John Baker (Publishers) Ltd / ISBN 0 212 98365 2 This was the first book I bought about Straw Craft and is one of my favourites. It is an excellent book with lots of good information and many anecdotes relating to the growing of corn, the varieties to use, plaiting tips, the makers and village life. The book touches Harvest Customs, German Stars, Straw Hats and Straw Marquetry as well as Corn Dollies. Interestingly Minnie takes time to say who or where she got her information and acknowledges the source of designs, pictures and information. |
Straw Work and Corn Dollies | |
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Lettice SandfordHardback / First Published 1974 by Batsford Books / ISBN 0 7134 2874 0 Lettice Sandford was one of the great exponents of straw craft in the modern age. She gave talks to Women's Institutes as well as organising courses at her home at Eye Manor in Herefordshire. Many Guild members attended her courses and remember them with great affection. After her death her large collection of straw work was given to the Hereford Museum so that it could be displayed for the benefit of others. The book has very clear instructions with lots of diagrams and photographs. |
Your Book of Corn Dollies | |
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Joan RendellHardback / Published 1976 by Faber and Faber / ISBN 0 571 10841 5 |
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The Guild News
Some of the many features found in the Guild News |
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The Guild News is the magazine for members of the Guild of Straw Craftsmen. Issued twice a year, it has been published since the Guild was formed in 1989. It contains a great variety of articles on all aspects of straw craft, and also keeps members fully informed of courses and events, awards, items for sale, new publications, and much more.
Details of how to apply for membership of the Guild can be found on the Membership Details page. |
The Corn Dolly Newsletter
"Bygones" This photograph appeared on the cover of the first Corn Dolly Newsletter |
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The Corn Dolly Newsletter (issued twice a year) has been published
for over 20 years. Articles cover all aspects of straw work from
profiling straw workers to ideas for designs (for both beginners and
advanced workers). This magazine is always searching for new
techniques and styles. Swiss Straw Work was introduced to people
outside Switzerland by the CDN team.
For more details and subscriptions to the Corn Dolly Newsletter contact |
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"Dicks Field"
Photographed
by Andrew Nott
Something Corny supply Dyed
Straws, Bleached Straws and Natural Straws. These items are available
by post from Elaine Lindsay.
Elaine is a member of the Guild and is experienced in many aspects of
straw craft.
Rosemary grows wheat, oats and rye, here's what she says about her straw:
WHEAT
OATS
RYE
Rosemary sells prepared straws in multiples of 100 (400, 800 and 1,000 are the most popular multiples). Buying prepared straws takes away the drudgery of preparing your own straw and having to clean up afterwards.
Due to the size of sheaves postage is expensive but sheaves can be collected but it is important that you contact her beforehand to arrange collection.
Rosemary is a member of the Guild.
You can read all about growing and preparing straw here
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Something Corny supply Plastic Straw Splitters, Star Frames and Instruction Books. These items are available by post from Elaine Lindsay.
Elaine is a member of the Guild and is experienced in many aspects of
straw craft.
"Marquetry Box"
Worked by Gillian Nott
Photographed by Veronica Main
Are you looking for a corn dolly for a special occasion? Do you need a large exhibition piece?
We have skilled straw workers amongst our membership, who can make anything from a small item to a large commission.
Our corn dollies are produced from the very finest straw, and made with great care and accuracy. From old and traditional favourites to innovative modern designs, our craftsmen are happy to discuss your requirements.
| Name | Area | Contact Details |
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| Janet Baddiley | Powys, Wales | Visit her website: Fire and Fibre
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| Elaine Lindsay | Aberdeenshire Scotland |
Something Corny Telephone: 01467 681330 Visit her web site: Something Corny or email
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| Jackie Payne | Kent | Telephone: 01227 721716 or email
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| Carol Partridge | Kent | Telephone: 07771 701606 or email
For details visit her web site: The Wheat Weaver
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